Assault on Kashmiri Prisoner in Tihar Jail

We would like to direct your attention to a case of custodial violence in Tihar jail.

A prisoner Dr. Wasim Akram Malik was beaten inside Jail No 3 on 28th March 2015, by the jail staff. Along with Wasim Akram Malik two other prisoners Farooq Ahmad, Mohammad Shafi were also assaulted in Jail number 3. We had written to you earlier and the NHRC website shows that the case is under consideration. Recently it was reported in the national newspapers that his face has been paralysed due to injuries received in jail and lack of proper medical care inside.

Dr. Wasim Akram Malik is an accused in the September 7, 2011 Delhi High Court blast case. He was detained by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) in connection with the case on October 4, 2011.

The violation of prisoner's rights in Tihar has become a routine affair. Jail authorities are not fulfilling their mandate of ensuring a safe atmosphere for the inmates. It is also important to note that Wasim Malik, Farooq Ahmad, Mohammad Shafi are of Kashmiri origin and Kashmiri prisoners are frequently subjected to violence in prison.

Keeping in mind that the safety and well-being of jail inmates is the responsibility of the jail authorities and the government we urge the NHRC to urgently send a team to interview the victims of this attack to elicit facts concerning the attack, ensure proper treatment of the victims, ensure compensation for them, action against those guilty and take other appropriate steps.